Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
1845. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the proposed works for the Mell Greenway, Drogheda, following the further engagement from her Department offering an extension to 31 March 2023 to allow the local authority to progress the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17524/23]
View answerThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure and for the maintenance and promotion of existing infrastructure.
In February 2020, Louth County Council was approved funding of €200,000 under ORIS to develop and enhance the Boyne Greenway. To date no funding has been drawn down on this project.
In September 2021, my Department approved a proposal by the Council to change the scope of the project, on the condition that a Project Implementation Plan would be submitted. A draft plan was submitted in January 2022 which indicated an expected completion project date of December 2022.
My officials have continued to engage with Louth County Council regarding the project. Unfortunately despite extensions previously granted by my Department, I understand as of the end of March 2023 Louth County Council had still not commenced work on the project. As a consequence, I regret that my Department was left with no alternative at this stage other than to decommit funding for the project.
I know the Deputy is a strong supporter of this project and I can assure him that my Department would be happy to receive a fresh application for consideration under a future ORIS funding round when Louth County Council have progressed the project to a shovel ready stage.
I believe it is incumbent on Local Authorities to utilise Government funding once it is allocated. In the case of this particular project over three years after the funding had been allocated, work had yet to even commence. The Deputy will appreciate this is unfair to other community groups in the country who could have used this funding during this time.
